OMB
Procedures and Guidance on Implementing the Government Paperwork Elimination
Act

This document provides
Executive agencies with the guidance required under Sections 1703 and
1705 the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), P. L. 105-277, Title
XVII. GPEA requires agencies, by October 21, 2003, to provide for the
(1) option of electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information,
when practicable as a substitute for paper; and (2) use and acceptance
of electronic signatures, when practicable. GPEA specifically states that
electronic records and their related electronic signatures are not to
be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability merely because they
are in electronic form.

GPEA
is an important tool in fulfilling the vision of improved customer service
and governmental efficiency through the use of information technology.
This vision contemplates widespread use of the Internet and its World
Wide Web, with Federal agencies transacting business electronically as
commercial enterprises are doing. Members of the public who wish to do
business this way may avoid traveling to government offices, waiting in
line, or mailing paper forms. The Federal government can also save time
and money transacting business electronically.

This guidance also
implements part of the President's memorandum of December 17, 1999, "Electronic
Government," which calls on Federal agencies to use information technology
in ensuring that governmental services and information are easily accessible
to the American people. Among other things, the President charged the
Administrator of General Services, in coordination with appropriate agencies
and organizations, to assist agencies in developing private, secure, and
effective communication across agencies and with the public through the
use of digital signature technology.

Creating more accessible
and efficient government requires public confidence in the security of
the government's electronic information communication and information
technology systems. Electronic commerce, electronic mail, and electronic
benefits transfer can involve the exchange of sensitive information within
government, between government and private industry or individuals, and
among governments. Electronic systems must be able to protect the confidentially
of citizens' information, authenticate the identity of the transacting
parties to the degree required by the transaction, guarantee that the
information is not altered in an unauthorized way, and provide access
when needed.

To reach these goals,
agencies must meet objectives outlined by GPEA guidance. First, each agency
must build on their existing efforts to implement electronic government
by developing a plan and schedule that implement, by the end of Fiscal
Year 2003, optional electronic maintenance, submission, or transactions
of information, when practicable as a substitute for paper, including
through the use of electronic signatures when practicable. Agencies must
submit a copy of the plan to OMB by October 2000 and coordinate the plan
and schedule with their strategic IT planning activities that support
program responsibilities consistent with the budget process (as required
by OMB Circular A-11).